I love Jefferson. The dictionary definition of a polymath and extraordinary person. Yeah, he had his faults. But what he did in his lifetime was pretty amazing, and he knew what values and direction the USA should go in.

I always thought it was spooky that he and John Adams (who had been both friends and enemies thoroughout their long lives) both died within a few hours of each other, in separate cities, on July 4 1826 -- 50 years after the original July 4th.

Here's to the dream and promise of America. It's tarnished right now, but it's been through dark times previously too. We can hope that enough good citizens will keep leading and pushing so that we can actually live up to the ideals that we profess.